AS/PDug– October half term letter 28th October 2020 Dear Parent/Carer I trust this letter finds you safe and well during half term. As I mentioned previously, it has been a real team effort to ensure that we put pupil and staff wellbeing at the forefront of our plans, along with ensuring every child continues with their education throughout the beginning of this academic year. With this in mind and after seeking advice from Walsall Public Health and the local authority, we have unfortunately had to make the decision to close Bloxwich Academy secondary site to all pupils and staff until Monday 9th November. This decision has not been taken lightly as we are aware of the implications this can cause, however, due to a significant number of positive cases confirmed during the beginning of half term it is vital that we ensure all staff and pupils are able to return to the Academy safely and when fit to do so. Pupils that have been identified as having close contact with anyone reported as positive have been contacted and must follow the self-isolation process that the government outlines, please see the link below for full details. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection During the week beginning the 2nd November, pupils will be provided with work that they can access by logging into their individual Microsoft teams’ account. Pupils can access this work including ‘live lessons’ using various devices including laptop, iPad and mobile device. Pupils have all been trained on how to access the remote learning platform, although if anyone has any queries could they contact itsupport@bloxwichacademy.co.uk. Details regarding the remote learning can be found on our website at www.bloxwichacademy.co.uk and will also be sent by text. Please could I ask for parents’ support in ensuring your child actively engages with all work set in order to support their progress. The academy will continue to implement systems that will aim to ensure everyone is safe upon their return on Monday 9th November. These will include:

• Compulsory wearing of face masks / visors for staff and pupils in communal areas • Sanitizing of hands upon entry and exit of every lesson • One way system in place to reduce congestion within corridors • Year group bubbles to help socially distance pupils • Staggered start / dismissal times for each year group

Parents of pupils in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) will be provided with an individual food parcel that can be collected from the Academy, details will be sent out separately for those for whom it concerns. Pupils and staff have adapted fantastically well thus far and I’m certain this will continue in the forthcoming months. The Academy will undergo a full deep clean before the return of pupils on the 9th November in addition to the cleaning services we have in place already. Parents are able to support the Academy by ensuring that all pupils are keeping to the rules regarding social distancing outlined by the government, please see the link below for full details. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing Whilst this is not the perfect scenario we find ourselves in, please rest assured we will continue to work tirelessly in order to help every pupil become ‘the best they can be’. Once again my sincere apologies for the inconvenience this situation may cause and thank you in advance for your continual support. Should you have any further queries please contact the academy via email on postbox@bloxwichacademy.co.uk. I look forward to welcoming back all pupils on Monday 9th November 2020. Stay safe. Yours sincerely, A Seager Headteacher